Identity Theft in Canada: How It Happens and How to Prevent It

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information — without your consent — to commit fraud, open accounts, or access financial services in your name. It is one of the fastest-growing crimes in Canada, and the consequences can be financially and emotionally devastating.

How Does Identity Theft Happen?

Data Breaches

When companies experience security breaches, your personal information — including your name, email, SIN, and credit card numbers — may be exposed to criminals.

Phishing and Social Engineering

Criminals use fake emails, text messages, phone calls, and websites to trick you into revealing sensitive information. These scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and difficult to detect.

Mail Theft

Criminals steal mail to obtain bank statements, credit card offers, tax documents, and other information that can be used to commit fraud.

Stolen Wallets and Documents

A stolen wallet can give a criminal access to your driver's licence, health card, credit cards, and other identification.

Dumpster Diving

Documents that are discarded without being shredded — such as bank statements, tax returns, and old credit card bills — can be recovered and used for fraud.

Warning Signs of Identity Theft

How to Protect Yourself

Safeguard Your SIN

Your Social Insurance Number is the single most valuable piece of information for identity thieves. Store it securely, never carry the card in your wallet, and only provide it when legally required.

Use Strong Passwords and MFA

Create unique, strong passwords for all accounts and enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible.

Monitor Your Credit

Regularly check your credit reports from both Equifax and TransUnion. Use a credit monitoring service to receive alerts about suspicious activity.

Shred Sensitive Documents

Shred any documents that contain personal or financial information before discarding them.

Be Cautious Online

Limit the personal information you share on social media, and be wary of unsolicited emails, texts, and phone calls asking for personal details.

What to Do If You Are a Victim

1. Contact your bank and credit card companies to report the fraud and request new accounts.

2. Place a fraud alert on your credit files with Equifax and TransUnion.

3. Report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

4. File a police report and keep the file number.

5. Contact the CRA at 1-800-959-8281 to protect your tax account.

6. Contact Service Canada at 1-800-622-6232 about replacing your SIN if necessary.

How an Identity Theft Protection Plan Can Help

An Identity Theft Protection Plan provides continuous monitoring of your credit, SIN, and personal information. If your identity is stolen, dedicated restoration specialists guide you through every step of the recovery process, and insurance coverage helps protect you from financial loss.